The Ravens haven’t been king when it comes to being available. It is one of the most discussed flaws with this team: the constant, never-ending injuries that continue to haunt them. Luckily, they have managed to get healthy for the first time in what feels like forever.
Both OLB Jadeveon Clowney (illness) and S Geno Stone (hamstring) returned to practice today in London.
Only player I didn’t see practicing was OLB Odafe Oweh (ankle)— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 12, 2023
While getting Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone back is big, what is even more shocking is that only one player is now missing from practice (not including guys on IR, of course…). That in itself is a huge step forward. It seems like for the first time this year, the Ravens aren’t dealing with trying to make something out of nothing and can now focus on getting these players to grow and thrive.
Also, for the first time in forever, the Ravens seem to have a better injury report than their opponent.
Ravens are in good shape health wise heading into Sunday’s game pic.twitter.com/xNiQEj3Qbp
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 12, 2023
That Titans Injury Report is rough. On it are multiple key pieces on both offense and defense. Among three players not traveling to London is one of their better offensive pieces.
Three #Titans not traveling, including WR Treylon Burks. https://t.co/kzfdjtg73e
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 12, 2023
Treylon Burks is the only player on the Titans that can stretch the field, so stopping the run will be paramount. Slowing Derrick Henry is always the key to beating the Titans, but without Burks and with an older DeAndre Hopkins, this has to be the game plan.
One of the things brought up in this discussion of the London games is when teams travel, and the Ravens are learning from their mistakes:
Roquan Smith said he feels like he’s getting adjusted to the time change and he’s been getting good sleep. pic.twitter.com/h4o9a8sGqg
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 12, 2023
The last time the Ravens had to play a game in London, they got boat raced by the Jaguars; they left on Friday for that trip. Now, the team immediately left for London on Monday morning and have had the whole week to adjust to the time zones. Meanwhile, the Titans just left hours ago and now have to adjust on the fly. The numbers say that going early doesn’t give that team an advantage, but why wouldn’t you leave earlier for your players’ well-being? The Bills did the same thing as Tennessee last week, and they also lost. To my mind, even if the data doesn’t say leaving earlier means you’ll win, teams should leave early for London games for the good of their players.
Look who @jd_englehart ran into 😈🇬🇧 #RavensFlock @Ravens pic.twitter.com/YLZJmIJt4J
— UK Ravens (@UKRavens) October 12, 2023
It will be a physical game. Let’s hope the early arrival gives the Ravens some advantage over an injured Titans team.
